General problems

[nhorrin]

Here are some photos of my coop showing the inside roost, inside nest boxes and how the nest boxes extend out of the coop. I would like some advice to see if there is a problem with this setup which could cause the roosting / nesting problems. THANKS AGAIN!

 

[nhorrin]

Sorry! One more photo I did not include in th last post.

 

[CluckyJay]

Quote:

 

[BamaSilkies]

Maybe you should put a ramp up to the roosts and put golf balls in the nest boxes.

 

[maggiec1951]

Quote:
I'm having the same problem with Kodak Easy Share.

If you figure it out, please PM me.

 

[jenkassai]

I had a similar problem with my girls roosting once their coop was done. I think part of my problem was that before their coop was done, they were sleeping in an extra large dogloo / doghouse. When we moved them into the coop, they were so used to sleeping on the "floor", I don't think they knew what the roosts were for, although I would see them hop on and off. I went in there for maybe three nights, after dark, and would put them on the roost. After the third night, when I went to check on them, they had gone to the roost themselves.

Not sure about the laying issue. I put golf balls in my nest boxes right before they started laying, and they seemed to get the hint. I had only two eggs laid not in the box. One was on the floor of the coop in front of the box. One was...in the middle of the chicken yard on the ground

I wish I had seen it when it happened, it reminded me of a kid who is learning to use the "potty" and doesn't realize they need it until it is too late and they are running for the bathroom

 

[seminolewind]

I would keep some golf balls in the nests. Or , taking a few laid eggs and leave them in the nests.

 

[allpeepedout]

Just some wild ideas: If they fly up from the ground, are they maybe concerned about not hitting a bar correctly and landing between the bars? Don't know anything about bantys, but can they see enough from the ground to see the landing site--or do they just see the edge of the poop board? They need enough horizontal space and visibility to fly up and down, not hit the poop board on the way, and to not feel trapped by other birds. Also, maybe they don't feel any more secure on the roosts than on the floor because the poop board is seems to jut out so far? The roost needs to "feel" safer than the other spaces in the coop. It just seems more like a half of n oven rack on a super wide poop board than an actual roost, up high where they would enjoy being. Maybe try just using boot trays under a single roost and dispense with the poop board?

Mine prefer WIDE roosts and did not start roosting until many, many months old. Given a choice today, they still prefer to huddle under Mr. Roo. Also, laying regularly in the boxes came over time for some. Some need time to learn their new roles.

Good luck with your next batch. I think a small coop may present its own challenges. Maybe look at some other interiors?

 

[Mattemma]

My hens pile up.For a while thet roosted on wood,but when I added straw bales they started to pile up again.

I have had eggs all over.Now they go in a milk crate on in a booda cat litter box. I even used a wicker laundry basket. Once one hen went in a location the others also used it. I sometimes have 2 hens and 5 eggs in only the booda nestbox!

 

[Mattemma]

double post